Plaque on your teeth is common and expected. Besides its unpleasant fuzzy texture, it can cause dental problems if not dealt with. Unfortunately for us, you can’t fully prevent it. Unless you don’t eat sugary and sweet foods or carbohydrates (but let’s face it, we love to eat those).
But if you want to show plaque who’s the boss…then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips for cleaning and reducing plaque!
Brush, Brush, Brush
A daily oral health routine does the trick in most cases. And it helps here too!
It may seem obvious but brushing your teeth twice a day will help get rid of plaque. It’s necessary because even though you are not consuming any foods while asleep (would be weird if we did) your mouth will still have plaque when you wake up. Then there’s the regular plaque that forms from our daily meals which needs to be removed before bed.
And don’t forget to floss once a day to get into those spots the brush just can’t reach!
Mouthwash
But even floss needs a bit of help sometimes. Using a mouthwash can really bolster your dental routine. It helps kill the germs that floss and toothbrushes can’t get to.
Toothpastes
If the plaque is tougher than you thought, there are toothpaste options out there that can assist:
- Fluoride toothpastes slow down the acid production that plaque is known for. It also strengthens enamel which helps to prevent major issues.
- Toothpaste containing baking soda can slow down the plaque build up. This is because baking soda is good for scrubbing and it’s a natural cleanser.
Diet
And lastly, the tip we all probably dread the most: a healthier diet!
Staying away from sticky, sweet, sugary foods will help reduce plaque. Discussing your diet with your dentist can help narrow down some possible foods to avoid.
You can also use a sugarless gum in between meals to help increase the saliva in your mouth to wash out food from your teeth.
The Verdict
This last one is not a tip but simply a must! Regular dental visits are vital to your mouth’s health. Dentists can spot any underlying issues and also do a deep clean that gets rid of all the plaque. And with those pearly whites shining, it can boost confidence too!
These tips should help you with minimizing plaque and maintaining your oral health. But if you’re in need of a check-up then book an appointment with us now!